Across the Wilderness escorted tour

Day 1- arrival
Fly with a scheduled airline to Reykjavik. After arrival in Reykjavik, transfer to your hotel. Free time to explore the city.

Day 2 - Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Morning drive to Snæfellsnes National Park located on the south coast of the peninsula. Stop at the picturesque harbor village of Arnarstapi where magnificent columnar basalt rock formations can be seen. A unique walk between the villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar is possible. Continue to the beautiful rocky sea shore by Djúpalónssandur. Circle around the legendary Snæfellsjökull glacier, where, according to Jules Verne, the entrance to the center of the earth can be found. Overnight in the Snæfellsnes area.

Day 3 - Skagafjörður
Travel through the small fishing villages of the northern coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, including the charming town of Stykkishólmur, the largest town on the peninsula. Drive further east and visit the Viking Age museum at Eiríksstaðir, the farm of Eric the Red. The journey continues across Laxárdalsheiði heath to the north of Iceland, driving through rolling farmlands before making a stop at the farm and horse breeding center of Gauksmýri where you overnight. In the evening, optional horseback riding or take a walk in the area. Overnight in Gauksmýri.

Day 4 - Akureyri - Tjörnes - Ásbyrgi
Drive to the region of Skagafjörður with inspiring scenery. This area is renowned for horse breeding as well as being the home of many important sites and events of the classic Icelandic Sagas. Continue to Akureyri, the vibrant capital of the north and the second largest urban area in Iceland. Spend time in Akureyri that could include a visit to the beautiful botanical gardens before continuing towards the Lake Mývatn area.
Overnight in the great Lake Mývatn area.

Day 5 - Dettifoss Waterfall - Lake Mývatn
A day filled with adventure and heavenly landscape. First stop is at Goðafoss waterfall before driving to the mystical area of Lake Mývatn, a paradise for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. Explore the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir and the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir. Continue to Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, located in the majestic Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. Next you discover the enormous horseshoe-shaped canyon of Ásbyrgi National Park. According to Norse mythology, the canyon is the hoof print of Sleipnir, the magical eight-legged horse of the pagan god Óðinn. The journey continues around the stunning Tjörnes peninsula.
Overnight in the great Lake Mývatn area.

Day 6 - Lake Mývatn - Sprengisandur
Discover hidden parts of the Icelandic interior, exploring the desolated wilderness of Sprengisandur highland route. Sprengisandur is the longest stretch between the South and the North and is passable for only a couple of months during the summer. Drive the rugged track with its scenic beauty, crossing rivers where necessary and driving over the largest continuous lava field in Iceland, Ódáðahraun. Overnight in the Þjórsárdalur area.

Day 7 - Landmannalaugar
The first stop today is Landmannalaugar, a magnificent area surrounded by colourful rhyolite mountains with the option of bathing in a naturally warm geothermal pool. This pearl of the interior consists of deep valleys and mountains, formed in volcanic eruptions under the icecap during the ice-age, forming this unique colourful landscape. There are several hiking trails in the area. From Landmannalaugar, follow the Fjallabaksleið interior track to the south shore. Overnight in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

Day 8 - Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon - Skaftafell National Park
Start the day by visiting Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon where huge icebergs float and grind together in the still, deep waters of the lagoon. It is possible to take an optional boat tour among the floating icebergs. Spend the afternoon hiking in Skaftafell National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty, dominated by Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap. Overnight in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

Day 9 - Vík - Dyrhólaey - Hella
Across the vast Eldhraun, the largest lava field from a single eruption in Iceland, and Mýrdalssandur plains. In Reynishverfi we can go for a stroll on the black beach and enjoy the view to Reynisdrangar cliffs. Stop to enjoy the great views from Dyrhólaey* headland where thousands of puffins nest during the summer. On the way to Hvolsvöllur, admire the two beautiful waterfalls, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
Overnight in the Hvolsvöllur area.

*Please note that Dyrholaey is closed during nesting season in spring, middle May til June 23rd.

Day 10 - Gullfoss Waterfall - Geysir
Drive to the well known geothermal area of the great Geysir and witness several boiling mud pools and hot springs, the most active one, Strokkur, spouts high into the air every few minutes. Onwards to the beautiful Gullfoss the „golden waterfall“considered by many to the most impressive in Iceland. Continue to Þingvellir National Park, the ancient site of the world’s first parliament. On the way to Reykjavík pass Nesjavellir geothermal power plant that services Reykjavík’s hot water needs.
Overnight in Reykjavík.

Day 11 - Departure

Breakfast and transfer to Keflavik airport. Fly home with a scheduled airline. If you are departing on afternoon flight, you can choose to have departure transfer via Blue Lagoon.

If you are returning to Manchester or Glasgow, stay one extra night in Reykjavik.